Apparatus for monitoring and encouraging physical exercise

ABSTRACT

An apparatus, such as a hand held smart device, including a cell phone and the like, also includes a functionality module, such as a game, an exercise sensor and a controller. The exercise sensor determines when a user performs certain exercise, such as walking, running, etc. and provides this information to the controller. The controller selectively restricts access to the functionality module until a predetermined exercise regime is performed by the user. Alternatively, or additionally, the user is rewarded points for completing the exercise regime, and which can be used to obtain goods or services from third parties.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This Application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/168,044 filed May 29, 2015 incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

FIELD OF INVENTION

This invention pertains to monitoring the physical activity of a person on a portable device with goals being set for such activity. If these goals are not met, certain functionalities or applications are disabled on the portable device thus encouraging the person to perform the activity.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A. Description of the Prior Art

An activity tracker is a great product for those that want to invest in their health. However, just because a person acquires such a tracker does not mean that the person will use it on a regular basis, or at all, to do exercise. There are just too many other attractions, too many other activities that provide more immediate incentives or gratification then doing exercise, especially if the exercise is monotonous and does not provide not provide any destructions, such as running on an indoor or outdoor track. These considerations are especially applicable to children. Studies have shown that obesity in children is increasing tremendously every year because children would rather sit and play electronic games while eating unhealthy food rather than spend time exercising.

Thus there is a great need to motivate people of all ages and all walks of life to exercise regularly and more often to improve and maintain their health.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a key for creating motivation. One of its basic concepts is that it provides a link between the existing mobile devices such as smartphones and the health of a person. Preferably, the invention is implemented as an app on smartphone or similar portable device.

While the concepts embodied in this invention can be applied to various types of exercises, in one embodiment, the portable device is used to monitor a particular exercise, such as walking or running. More particularly, a goal is set for the person to walk or run a preset number of steps, a preset distance or for a preset time period. If the person does not meet this goal, the functionality of the portable device is drastically reduced. For example, in one embodiment, the operation of the smartphone is modified so that it can only be used to make and accept telephone calls (and optionally, text messages). Other functionalities and apps, such as playing particular game, play videos or sound clips, read a book, browse the Internet etc. are selectively disabled. In addition, or alternatively, if the goal is met, the user is awarded by rewarding him points. Preferably a robust rewards program is implemented in which rewards are paid for by sponsorships, government funds, or secretly by the parents.

The program has been designed to encouraging children and adults to stop spending so much time seating and exercise more often and for longer periods of time. The goal is to have all parents with concerns regarding their children's health tol download this app when they buy their children their first phones.

For adults the invention can be used to create a partner system in which two friends decide to take on the challenge together and they are there to support each other like a coach. And of course if one of the fiends isn't able to go for a walk that night he can call his partner and the partner will be able to remotely turn off the lock out feature. A person can use the app without a partner.

Conventional GPS-type walking or other types of exercise-centric apps can be coupled to the invention so the user will have the option of counting steps or the user can just use another exercising app fulfilled their quota for the day or meet other preset goals. The parent, administrator or partner has the ability to set the goals such as the number of steps or how long the walk will need to be. In one embodiment, a a snooze button allowing the user to push off or delay the disabling of the apparatus by a predetermined time, e.g., an hour.

For every day that the user fulfills his goal or quota'he gets points that are redeemable for gift cards and prizes. Those gifts and prizes will be paid for by parents, friends, and sponsorship. The rewards system together with the lock out feature sandwiches the user with motivation on all sides to make sure they are active.

In one embodiment, the user can start races with friends and see who can go a certain distance at the fastest pace. In this embodiment, the app will push users to try to take more steps or longer walks motivating the user to do more.

In one embodiment, when a user completes his goal his reward is that he is allowed a preselected game for a predetermined time, e.g., 20 minutes. After the 20 minutes are up, he won't be able to play the game until he does more exercise.

In one embodiment, the user enters a weight loss goal over a period of time. For example, the user enters, his current weight, the desired weight (or net weight loss and the period during which he desires to lose this weight. The apparatus then checks a diet library and offers different meal options for each meal during a day together with an exercise regimen consistent with the desired weight loss. If the user decides to each unhealthy/fattening meals during a particular day that does not conform to the suggested diet, the exercise goal for that day (or next several days) is recalibrated. In other words, the exercise goal is increased automatically to compensate for increase caloric intake by the patient to ensure that the user is on track to lose the designated weight during the designated time.

In one embodiment, a user can add or register with the apparatus an activity that is not monitored directly by the apparatus. For example, one day a user decides to swim. He can enter this activity directly, or have his parent/coach enter it. The apparatus then credits the user with an equivalent amount of the prescribed activity using, for example, a table. So, if the user swam for half an hour, he will be credited with walking for 45 minutes (or other appropriate conversion factor).

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A shows a block diagram of an apparatus constructed in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 1B shows a flow chart for the setup phase defining the operational rules for the apparatus of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 1C shows a flow chart illustrating the running operation of the apparatus;

FIG. 1D shows a flow chart for a diet mode of operation in which a desired weight loss is designated for a period of time and then a diet regime is established;

FIGS. 2-7 shows various screens implementing the various stages shown in the flow charts of FIGS. 1B and 1C.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As shown in the FIG. 1A, an apparatus 10 constructed in accordance with this invention includes a microprocessor 12, a conventional display 14 and a keyboard 16. The microprocessor 12 can perform various functions at various times, or can perform several functions simultaneously. Some of the functions performed by the microprocessor may include a game 18, a music player 20 (adapted to play either audio only or audio/visual content) from a memory 22, or it may accumulate various points for rewards 24 as shall be described in more detail below.

The apparatus 10 further includes one or more physical monitors 26. The monitors 26 record the movement of the apparatus (and presumably, a user) and determine whether the user is involved in some kind of physical activity, such as playing a sport, running, walking, etc. The monitors 26 may rely on information from internal sensors, such as an accelerometer 28, a gyroscope (not shown), a magnetometer(not shown), etc. Alternatively, or in addition, the apparatus 10 may include a transceiver 30 through which the monitors 26 receive information about a current physical activity is being performed by the user through an external device 32 such as a cardiac, monitor, etc., using a standard communication protocol such as Bluetooth.

In one embodiment, the apparatus 10 may be incorporated into, or implemented as smart phone, in which case it also includes a communication module 34 used to provide communication with remote entities using texting, cell phone telephone, instant messaging protocols, etc.

Another module 36 may be provided for doing searching on the Internet or perform other related functions.

The apparatus 10 further includes a rules memory 40 and a controller 42 used to control the operation of the apparatus 10. The rules memory 40 and controller 42 cooperate to control the other functions of the apparatus 10. More specifically, as discussed above, the controller 42 monitors the physical activities of the user in accordance with rules set forth in the rules memory 40. These physical activities can be performed at a particular time, over the course of a day, a week, etc. In one embodiment, if the required physical activities are performed in a timely fashion, the apparatus 10 has full functionality. That is, the user can play games, listen or watch content, surf the Internet, etc. Otherwise, at, least some of the functionalities are restricted.

In another embodiment, if the required physical activities are performed, the user is awarded points or other rewards are recorded (reward function 24). These rewards may be fulfilled by other entities.

The apparatus shown in FIG. 1A may be operated in one of three different modes. In the first mode, the user himself sets the operational rules stored in the rules memory 40. In this mode, the user relies on his own self-control to perform the selected physical activities, without any involvement of any third party.

In the second mode, the apparatus 10 is used by a designated third party to set the rules in memory 40. For example, this third party may be a physical therapist or a coach who motivates the user and encourages him to do the exercises. Alternatively, if the user is a child, the third party may be a parent.

In the third mode the apparatus 10 is coupled through a standard communication channel such as WIFI, Bluetooth, NFC, etc. to another device and receives the rules from a third party at a remote location.

FIG. 1B shows the steps for selecting the operational rules for the apparatus of FIG. 1. In step 100, the administrator registers with the apparatus. In step 102, an exercise is selected. (It should be noted that the present invention is described in conjunction with the user performing a single exercise. Obviously, several exercise may be designated as well). In step 104 the amount of exercise is designated. For example, if the exercise is walking, in step 104 the distance to be walked (in steps, feet, miles, etc.) is designated. Alternatively, or in addition, in step 106 a duration may also be set. For example, the administrator may select a duration of 2, 4, 6 hours over a period of a day, two days, a week, etc.

In step 108 the administrator sets restrictions on the operation of the apparatus 10. These restrictions may be involve disabling one or more functionalities set forth above. In step 110 the rewards for performing the prescribed exercise are set (if any).

In step 112 the punishment for failing to perform the required exercise are set. For example, the administrator may decide to completely disable all functions that are not associated with the operation of apparatus 10 as a cell phone. Or he may disable all functions related to the Internet, such as browsing, playing on-line games, etc.

The rules set during the process are stored in the rules memory 40.

Once the rules are selected, the administrator can sign on and get a report on the progress of the user (step 114). The steps shown in FIG. 1B can be implemented on the apparatus 10 or can be performed on a remote control device in communication with device 10 via a standard communication line and protocol.

FIG. 1C shows the operation of the apparatus 10 under the control of the user. In step 200 the user signs on or registers. In step 202, he starts exercising and his progress is monitored by one or more of the monitors 26. At all times, the user can access the display 14 and see his progress.

In step 204 the progress of the user is monitored. If the goal set by the administrator is reached within the prescribed time, than in step 206 the rewards are granted to the user. The reward may be points or the reward may be that the user is allowed to take advantage of the full functionality of the apparatus 10.

If the goal is not reached than in step 208 the punishment is effectuated by disabling the respective functionalities of the apparatus 10.

Some ways of implementing these processes are now described.

When the apparatus is first started, the controller 42 initializes a setup phase. During this phase, the apparatus 10 enters into an administration mode in which the various rules are generated and entered into the rules memory 40. First, a screen as shown in FIG. 2 is presented. At this stage the user can select to be his own administrator (e.g., he can decide to set the operation of the apparatus 10 on his own). He then activates a button 50 and another screen is generated on which the user can generate a password. Preferably, if the user is a child, this phase is performed by an adult. In any event, if a third party (e,g., a coach or an adult) is designated as an administrator, this party then activates button 52 to select a password. The administrator can select button 54 to reset the selected password. Once, the password is selected, a party activates button 56 to sign in. Alternatively, an identity from another service, such as Facebook may be used by activating button 58 by the user or the administrator. This completes the registration phase.

Setup starts with the screen shown in FIG. 3. The administrator uses this screen to setup an exercise regimen for the user. For example, he may select walking or running for the user, including selecting the distance that must be covered (e.g., 1000 ft, 2000 ft, 4000 ft) via buttons 60 and/or a time period during which the exercise must be completed within a predetermined time frame (1.5, 2, 3 hours) via buttons 62. If desired, the administrator may choose to set his own distance, in which case a window 64 (FIG. 3B) for accepting the set distance is presented.

As previously mentioned, there many existing apps that are available for monitoring user exercises. In FIG. 3C a screen is presented with various buttons 66. When selected, the controller 42 is coupled to one or more of these apps (such as Google Fit, Runkeeper, etc., assuming these apps are available to the user) and thereafter the apparatus 10 is enabled to import the respective exercising data from the selected app. In addition, various additional data sources may also be activated. For example, the administrator may select the use of a GPS function as a data source. These other elements that provide information regarding the exercise being performed by the user are collectively shown in FIG. 1 as exercise monitor 29. It should be understood that other types monitors may also be used that uses various internal and/or external sensors to detect various other types of exercises, and not just walking or running. Using this function may be put more load on the microprocessor 12 but provide more accurate results of the progress of the user.

FIGS. 4A, 46, 4C show how restrictions can be defined for the apparatus 10. In FIGS. 4A, 4B the administrator selects how long the restrictions last, by selecting respective buttons 70. Note that one of the choices may be a rather dramatic one which when selected imposes a complete restriction until the exercise regimen is completed. On the other hand, if button 74 is selected, no restrictions are applied. In FIG. 4C buttons 76 are selected to define which functionalities are to be restricted.

Once the restrictions are set, the controller is configured to monitor the activity of the user. The respective exercise is sensed either directly or through third party apps and appropriate data is accumulated and stored in the rules memory 40 or elsewhere. Thus, at any time the controller 42 has access to and can provide data indicating how much the user has exercised during a given day, how much more he has to exercise to meet his goal, how much he exercised the day before, the week before, etc. The data can be displayed automatically or on demand on the display and can be provided to an administrator by sending an appropriate message to the external device 90 as discussed in more detail below.

Several modes of operations or features may be implemented in the controller 42. In one mode, a snooze button 44 can be added. When this button is activated, the exercise regimen is postponed by the controller for a predetermined time period. For example, the exercise regimen in the controller 42 may require that 2 miles of walking be completed by 5 pm. When the snooze button is activated, the controller extends this deadline to 7 PM.

In another mode of operation, a diet option can be activated, for example by pushing a diet button 46. When this mode is activated, the user enters his present weight (unless it has been entered already) together with his desired weight (or weight loss). The controller 42 then consults a plurality of menus stored in a diet memory 48 together with their caloric content and using known algorithms prescribes a diet for the user together with an appropriate exercise regimen that replaces any previously presented goals. Of course, this whole process may also be initiated by an administrator. For example, the user may decide that he would like to lose 10 pounds in three months. Referring to the flow chart in FIG. 1D, the diet mode is initiated in step 300. In step 302 the user enters his goals. In step 304 the controller generates a diet regimen with a corresponding exercise regimen for the next 3 months based in information from diet memory 48. At the beginning of each day, the controller 42 presents to the user a prescribed menu together with a respective exercise regime for that day (step 306). At the end of the day, the controller 42 checks if the exercise goal has been met and also requests information from the user regarding what food did the user have. If the exercise goal has been met and the user ate the correct foods in the correct amount, the controller continues with the diet regime (step 306). If the user did not meet the exercise goal, and/or has not eaten the correct foods, the controller 42 recalculates the regime based on the exercise performed and the caloric intake of the user to insure that the preset time period for the diet goal is going to be met (step 310). The new regime is stored. The next day, the user is presented with an adjusted diet regime to compensate for his transgressions the day before (step 306).

The screen in FIG. 5 shows a status page with various information on how much the user exercised, for how long, etc.

FIG. 6 shows a status page available to the administrator to see the user's progress.

Finally, FIG. 7 shows the screen indicating how many points have been awarded to the user. The screen may show, for example, how many points were awarded on a day to day basis, as well as the total number of points.

An important feature of the present invention is that both the setup and the operation of the apparatus can be controlled remotely by a coach, partner or parent another device. In other words, not only are the operational rules stored into the rules memory 40 originate from a remote device, but the controller 42 can communicate in real time or at regular intervals with the remote device, receive new instructions, and report data collected by the controller during a particular day, week, month, etc. For this purpose, a registering/monitoring version may be installed in the remote device. There are several additional scenarios in which mode is advantageous. In a first scenarios, two partners agree to be the administrators for each other. Then each friend can see not only his own progress toward his goal but his partner's as well. Then on a particular day, one partner can challenge the other to a race to walk, run, etc. for a particular distance, a particular time, etc. When they are finished, or at the end of the day, each can see how they did and how their partner did—e.g. whether they have met the particular goal set as the race. In another scenario, the restriction on the apparatus 10 is severe and a user is not able to do his exercise because of a physical problem, or other commitments. He can contact his administrator (coach, parent or partner), explain the situation, and the administrator send a disabling signal to the apparatus disabling the monitoring for a day, several days, etc. In yet another scenario, the user decides to do a different exercise that is not being by the apparatus. For example, he may decide to go swimming for an hour. He then contacts the administrator who can then send a message to the controller 42 indicating this new activity. The controller then credits the user for an equivalent amount of exercise.

An administrator or a parent may use these points to give the user real rewards. Alternatively, this information may be provided to other third parties who can grant the user some rewards.

In one embodiment, after the user performs a portion of the exercise regime (that is, the exercise regime is completed only partially), the controller provides access to one of the functionalities for a limited time period. Once this limited time period expires, the functionality is shut off by the controller 42 until the user performs another portion of the exercise regime. For example, a child may be required to exercise for one hour. At the end of each 20-minute period of exercise, the child may be given access to his favorite game 18 for 15 minutes. After the 15 minutes are up, the child may exercise for another 20 minutes and then play game 18 for another 15 minutes.

Preferably, the invention is implemented as an app installed on a conventional smart device such as a phone, a personal music player, etc. In this case, the operation of the controller 42 as well as all the other modules, including the game module, the rewards module, the player, etc., may be performed by the microprocessor 12 and the memory 40 may be incorporated in other memories of the apparatus.

Numerous modifications may be made to this invention without departing from its scope as set forth in the appended claims. 

I claim:
 1. An exercise monitoring and reward apparatus comprising: a plurality of functionality modules selectively performing predetermined functionalities; an exercise sensor sensing when a user is performing an exercise; a rule memory storing a rule related to the operation of at least one of said functionality modules; and a controller coupled to said exercise sensor and said rule memory, said controller being adapted to affect the operation of said one functionality module in accordance with said rule in said rule memory and an output of said exercise sensor.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said controller is configured to determine a period of exercising time during which the user exercises and to change the operation of said one functionality module after said period reaches at a preset value.
 3. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said module is a reward module configured to grant rewards to the user at the end of said period.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a display adapted to present to the user information related to his progress of the exercise regime.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said module include a game and a communication module, said communication module providing cell phone services to the user, wherein said controller is configured to provide selective access to the game module and provide permanent access to the communication module.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said controller is configured to operate in one of a setup mode and an operational mode further comprising an input element receiving information defining said rule during said setup module.
 6. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein said input element is a keyboard.
 7. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein said input element is a communication port receiving said information from a remote device.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said controller is configured to operate synchronously with the controller of another similar apparatus.
 9. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said one functionality module is a game and said controller is configured to permit access to said game for predetermined second periods after the user has exercised for a duration equal to a first period.
 10. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said exercise sensor receives information sensor from other exercising monitors.
 11. A method of operating an exercise monitoring apparatus having a rule memory, a controller, an exercise sensor and a functionality module, said exercising monitoring apparatus being associated with a user, comprising the steps of: monitoring the exercise sensor by said controller to determine if the user has performed an exercise regime as defined in the rule memory; and controlling access to the functionality module by said controller based on said monitoring.
 12. The method of claim 11 further comprising a setup step during which information for said rule memory is entered into said apparatus.
 13. The method of claim 12 wherein said apparatus includes a keyboard and said information is entered on said keyboard.
 14. The method of claim 12 wherein said apparatus includes a communication port and said information is received from a remote device through said communication port.
 15. The method of claim 11 wherein said apparatus includes a communication port further comprising receiving information affecting the operation of the controller through said communication port from an external device. 